There are days in football that will forever be etched into memory—and June 29, 2025, at Ulinzi Sports Complex is one such day. The 2025 FKF Mozzart Bet Cup Final will echo in Kenyan football history for generations, as Nairobi United delivered a performance that was as fearless as it was historic, toppling Gor Mahia 2-1 in a thrilling contest that concluded with both high drama on the pitch and chaos in the stands.
A fairytale script written by Nairobi United
Nairobi United’s journey through this tournament has seemed almost scripted for the silver screen. Having just clinched the National Super League title and earned promotion, few gave them a chance against the mighty Gor Mahia, twenty-one time league champions and perennial giants of Kenyan football. And yet, their 2-1 victory capped a season of giant-killing spirit, making them the first non-top flight side to ever lift the FKF Cup—a feat that has sent shockwaves through national football.
From the very first whistle, Nairobi United radiated belief. Their energy was palpable and it showed just six minutes in when Frank Ouya, reacting fastest to a long throw that Gor Mahia failed to clear, produced a stunning acrobatic finish to send their fans into raptures. That was not simply an opportunistic goal, but the reward for calculated pressure and tactical discipline—proof that this team is no fluke.
Gor Mahia’s response and turning point
Gor Mahia, still smarting from the recent loss of their league crown to Kenya Police, were determined to salvage their season. Ben Stanley Omondi offered hope, capitalizing on some hesitant defending to blast home the equalizer in the 37th minute, his first for the club, and drawing the game level just before halftime. The Green Army dared to dream once again.
But dreams clashed violently with Nairobi United’s resilience. The second half became a chess match of nerves, possession, and tactical substitutions. Interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno tried to shake up his fatigued Gor Mahia side, but the match’s decisive moment would soon arrive.
Decisive magic from the Nairobi bench
The boldness of coach Nicholas Muyoti was on full display. Taking off Isaac Omweri, who was walking a disciplinary tightrope after being booked, as well as the underperforming Bernard Ouma, Muyoti gambled with fresh legs—and the move bore fruit.
Enock Mashaka, coming on as a substitute, delivered the match’s moment of inspiration. In the 72nd minute, his rocket from outside the box left Gor Mahia’s Kevin Omondi helpless as the net rippled and Nairobi United’s bench erupted. It was a goal that encapsulated both the audacity and precision of the underdogs.
| CASINO | BONUS | INFO | RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
bonus
New players get 40 free spins and a Ksh 200 freebet!
See 7 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000665 PG 0000405 Good combination of online casino and betting platform |
|
||
|
bonus
New players get 100 free spins on Leprechaun Wish!
See 5 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000562 PG 0000350 Large game selection, attractive bonuses, and top-notch security |
|
||
|
bonus
Claim up to 88,000 KES bonus after 20 losing bets!
See 10 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000683 Industry-leading software providers, over 30 casino games, BCLB license |
|
||
|
bonus
Kilibet points
See 11 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000685 PG 0000462 No deposit welcome bonus, variety of casino games |
|
High drama and heartbreak in the closing moments
The script couldn’t have been richer. Gor Mahia pushed desperately for an equalizer, fighting for every ball, every inch of turf. Austin Odhiambo earned a late penalty after a determined run, offering his team a precious lifeline. But as Alpha Onyango stepped up, Nairobi United’s keeper Ernest Muhammed guessed right, saving the spot kick and all but sealing his team’s place in history.
That save ignited wild celebrations among Nairobi United’s supporters, while despair settled on the Gor Mahia faithful. And therein lies the poetry of cup football: on a single day, giants can fall and new heroes emerge from the shadows, forever changing the trajectory of clubs and the memories of those who bear witness.
When the beautiful game turns chaotic
This wasn’t just a battle on the pitch—the intensity spilled over to the terraces. At the final whistle, passions boiled over among Gor Mahia’s renowned, ardent fan base. Scenes of chaos saw police deploying tear gas to subdue unruly crowds, a somber reminder of the volatility that often trails high-stakes African football finals.
Thankfully, despite frightening scenes and frantic scattering, no injuries were reported. However, this incident, following another at Gusii Stadium earlier in the season, underscores the urgent need for tighter crowd control and heightened security, especially with star-studded attendees like Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja (whose ownership of Nairobi United writes its own subplot).
The brothers Omala — personal drama layered into the final
Adding further spice to this already seasoning-rich encounter was the subplot featuring the Omala brothers: Benson (Gor Mahia) and Duncan (Nairobi United). Both brought bite and drive, with Duncan’s energetic pressing and creativity translating into a vital role in Nairobi United’s attacking verve. Although neither brother found the net, their head-to-head was a microcosm of sibling rivalry, pride, and what Kenyan football’s next generation promises.
Rewards beyond silverware
What Nairobi United have achieved goes far beyond adding a first FKF Cup to their trophy cabinet. The club now earns a ticket to compete on the continental stage, qualifying for the preliminary rounds of the prestigious CAF Confederation Cup. This reward is significant—in both prestige and financial terms. The team will receive a substantial KSh 2 million in prize money and a guaranteed USD 50,000 for reaching the preliminary continental round, potentially unlocking much larger sums with further progress.
From upsetting top-flight teams like Tusker, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Mara Sugar en route to the final, their journey is a resounding statement of the rising parity in Kenyan football.
What this means for Kenyan football
This stunning victory is a reminder that Kenyan club football, and the FKF Cup in particular, is about hope, dreams, and the belief that anything is possible on a given match day. For Nairobi United, it’s a launching pad into the top flight and continental football—a story that will inspire up-and-coming clubs for years. For Gor Mahia, this loss will sting, coming at the end of a turbulent season marked by internal upheaval and near-misses.
The 2025 FKF Mozzart Bet Cup final did more than crown a new champion; it reignited the romance of cup football and offered a microcosm of the passion, unpredictability, and unbreakable spirit that defines the game. As dust settles from the tear gas and adrenaline ebbs in the changing rooms, one truth remains: Nairobi United have not just won a match or a trophy—they have claimed the hearts of a nation and set a new standard for what is possible in Kenyan football.
